OCKLAWAHA, Fla. – A Korean War veteran in Ocklawaha is one step closer to moving into a new home after a crash left his trailer unlivable last month.
Odís Fender, 92, was inside when a car ran off the road and into his trailer. He wasn’t injured, but the trailer was damaged beyond repair.
The nonprofit Villagers for Veterans has been raising money to buy him a replacement home, and now, local businesses are stepping in to help.
Hoskins Demolition and Disposal in Ocala saw News 6’s coverage and offered to tear down the damaged trailer free of charge. The job, which would normally cost at least $6,000, also included covering the cost of permits.
“We saw the story that you guys were needing a little assistance. So we came in and offered our services for the Korean War veteran,” said Gregory Davis with Hoskins Demolition. “Just to be able to take it out and make it happen for him.”
Waste Pro partnered with the crew, hauling off the debris at no cost.
“It touched my heart. My dad’s also a Korean War veteran. And one of our drivers also. So we wanted to do our part to help with it, and like I said earlier, it will be totally free,” said Ronnie Douglas with Waste Pro.
Villagers for Veterans Vice President Kathryn Wilgus said community support has been overwhelming. The nonprofit has already raised about $7,000 for Fender and is now working with the VFW in Belleview to purchase and move a new trailer onto the property.
“News 6 is getting results. And you know, it’s been a blessing. And I know Otis, who isn’t here today because there’s too much going on for safety purposes, but he’s ecstatic,” Wilgus said. “This was the first major step because you can’t put anything back in until you take the old out.”
With the old trailer demolished and the ground cleared, the focus now shifts to getting Fender into his new home. Wilgus says she expects he should be settled in well before Christmas.
The site for the nonprofit supporting Odis Fender and veterans like him can be found at villagersforveterans.org.